Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter have officially advanced in their first-round match in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. They defeated the favored team of Toni Storm & Mercedes Martinez. Catanzaro & Carter may have been the underdog heading into this tournament but their chemistry is undeniable.
Unlike the makeshift team of Storm and Martinez, Team Ninja definitely had their close friendship to be thankful for. That and NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai.
With Carter perhaps moments away from tapping out to a single-leg crab submission firmly applied by Storm, Shirai appeared to cause the distraction. The NXT Women’s Champion pulled off Storm’s partner Martinez from the ring apron. She then tossed Martinez on top of the announce table causing her to roll off to the floor below.
Storm then broke the submission hold and knocked Catanzaro off the apron which allowed Carter to go free. Storm then completely distracted to see where her partner was. This allowed Carter to get control as she took down Storm and held her in place for Catanzaro to hit a massive move from the top turnbuckle. Catanzaro then covered Storm for the three-count to advance!!
They will face the winners of Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez vs. Aliyah & Jessi Kamea.
Post match, Storm and Shirai were seen backstage brawling as officials were trying to keep them apart.
Prior to the match taking place, Beth Phoenix kicked off the tournament with a few words highlighting the women’s evolution. All eight teams were present on stage.
What did you think of the kick off to the tournament? Did the right team advance from tonight’s first-round match? Leave your thoughts below!!
